A mattress is one of the most significant investments in your comfort. It’s also an investment in your health.
Experts recommend replacing your mattress about every eight years. Sagging, lopsidedness or tearing are indicators that your mattress is ready for a replacement.
Whether you shop in-store or online, there are plenty of great values available. This article will help you choose the best mattress for your lifestyle and budget.
Size
Most people will agree that there’s nothing quite like sinking into a thick-and-plush mattress after a long day. That surreal feeling of comfort makes mattresses a popular purchase, but finding one that feels just right takes some thought and consideration.
The first factor to consider is the size of your room and who will be sleeping on it. A mattress should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the largest sleeper in your household, but also shouldn’t be too big that you find yourself hanging off the edge of the bed.
Another important factor to consider is body weight. Heavier individuals will need a mattress that provides more pushback to prevent them from sinking in too deeply and stressing the hips and shoulders. Lighter individuals, on the other hand, can benefit from a more cushioned feel to help them avoid too much pressure on their backs. Different thickness levels also impact the comfort and support, so it’s important to know how much you prefer before settling on a specific mattress.
Materials
When it comes to buying a mattress, the vast range of choices can be overwhelming. Whether you shop at large box retailers, department stores or furniture or mattress specialty stores, or look online, there are many sizes, specifications and materials to consider.
The material used in the construction of a matrace is important because it will have an impact on both comfort and support. A soft mattress will contour closely to your body while a firmer mattress will provide fewer layers of cushioning material.
Foam is a common material in mattresses, with different types available to suit individual preferences. Memory foam is popular because it conforms well to the shape of your body and helps relieve pressure points. Latex is also a good choice, especially for those who prefer a bouncy feel and it’s often sourced from sustainable sources. Other mattress materials to consider include batting, cotton and wool (often used for temperature regulation), coconut husk fiber known as coir and bamboo bast.
Firmness
The firmness of a mattress affects both comfort and support. Many factors impact how a mattress feels, including the sleeper’s body weight, preferred sleep position, and mattress size. A bed’s firmness is a result of the materials used in the mattress and how they are constructed.
Generally, more conforming materials lead to a soft feel and less malleable materials lead to a firmer feel. Firmness is often confused with support, but the two are not the same. Support refers to how well a mattress can keep the spine in neutral alignment, while firmness is a measure of how much the mattress pushes back when pressure is applied.
Lighter sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses, while heavier sleepers need more support from their beds. For this reason, most of our favorite mattress brands offer a range of firmness options. They also offer generous trial periods and a warranty policy for their mattresses. This gives sleepers the opportunity to find their best-fitting mattress with confidence.
Warranty
The warranty on your mattress is a crucial factor when making a purchase. Most mattress brands offer warranties of 10 years or more, which cover replacement or repair for structural defects like excessive sagging.
It’s also important to consider the type of metal coils in your mattress – both the gauge and count matter. Higher quality mattresses typically have more coils, which are stronger and more durable.
You should also pay attention to whether your mattress is certified as CertiPUR-US, which means it’s free from harmful chemicals or high levels of VOCs. Foams, especially, can emit these emissions.
Conclusion:
Finally, it’s important to pay attention to the trial period and return policy. Most mattress companies offer generous sleep trials and hassle-free returns. Many online mattress sellers also have sales throughout the year, which usually coincide with federal holidays or major shopping events. These sales are great opportunities to score a new mattress at a discounted price.
